Chapter 22 - Waves

Twenty four hours later, the Dinatha had just arrived into the Kaytom 6 system and the location of the Kaytom Beach hub.
“Kaytom Beach have given us docking clearance,” Marr shared on the crew comms. “However, it is busy, so it will be near five p.m. before a bay is available.”
“Did they send on the approach plan?” Dukk asked.
“Yep, I am sharing it with you now.”
“Let’s have a look,” Dukk replied as he interacted with the console. “They want us to take a wide and slow approach. That figures. They aren’t taking any chances that we might scratch their shiny hub.”
“How long before we start the deceleration?” Bazzer asked.
“It is seven a.m. now, they suggest a six hour slow down, so we’ve got four hours of cruising at this speed.”
“Great, I’m going back to bed. I want to be in top form for the bars and clubs this evening.” Bazzer shared.
“Thank you, Bazzer, for illuminating your plans for us,” Dukk answered cheekily. “Would you mind engaging slow running before you hit the bunk?”
“Of course,” Bazzer replied.

Dukk enabled the broadcast mode. “Good morning. Welcome to the Kaytom 6 system, the home of the very popular Kaytom Beach hub. As expected, it will take much of today to get docked. Hopefully that will happen near five p.m.. We’ll stay overnight and aim to be preparing for departure at five p.m. tomorrow. As for this morning, at this stage we are aiming to start deceleration near eleven a.m.. I’ll ask that you take your seats again at that time as we start that process. For now, enjoy your morning.”

A little while later, Marr and Dukk were sitting alone in the crew mess. The rig was quiet as most had gone back to bed. Dukk was at the console. Marr was reading on the couch.
“Damn it,” Dukk said out loud.
“What?” asked Marr.
“Wallace has swapped the load we are to pick up here.”
“To what?“
“Core concentrate.”
“The additive used to make hard fuel?”
“Yep. Five canisters in a robocontainer.”
“Won’t that be more lucrative than a basic metals shipment?”
“Yes, but also more of a prize for those that might think about taking it off us. The docket says it must be loaded immediately, on arrival. That will mean we’ll need to hire some security while we are here.”
“Bognath is looking for work,” Luna interrupted. She was closing the crew mess door.
Dukk swivelled in his seat to look over at Luna.
“I thought everyone was in bed?” Dukk observed.
“She was,” Marr added cheekily.
Luna made a rude face at Marr.
“That is an interesting thought,” Dukk said. “Are you vouching for him?”
“Absolutely,” she answered doing her best to hide her blushing.
“Well that might work out well for us all. I’ll speak to him later,” Dukk replied. “Let’s keep this between ourselves for now.”

Later in the afternoon, the crew were gathered in the crew mess. Dukk called a circle-up ahead of their final approach into the Kaytom Beach hub.
“We have a slight change of plan,” Dukk said. “Instead of a typical metals shipment, the agent notified me that we will be transporting core concentrate.”
“How much?” Annee asked.
“Five canisters,” Dukk replied.
“Wow,” Bazzer interjected. “that’s going to sweeten the earnings on this haul.”
“Yes, Bazzer, it will,” Dukk answered. “However, there is a catch. The handler wants us to take responsibility for the canisters the moment we are docked.”
“That’s not good,” Annee stated. “This hub is big and attracts all sorts. The sorts that might want to sneak off with this stuff. If they do, we’d not find it again!”
“Yes, we are going to need extra security,” Dukk replied. “The hub have agreed to supply some extra personnel on the pad for the duration of our stay. This will be within the terms of the existing docking arrangements, however we’ll need to supervise the security personnel and be on high alert.”
“And there it is. Out the window goes my plans for fun, frivolity and debauchery!” Bazzer stated.
“Interesting that you are volunteering, Bazzer!” Dukk said. “However, there might be an alternative solution.”
“Like what?” Bazzer asked.
“Luna brought it to my attention that Bognath is looking for work. He has the skills and background to step into a security role for us. I’ve spoken with him and he is open to the idea. It would be temporary and he’d report to you Annee, as chief mate. However, it would mean we’d have to pay him out of our own pockets. So, some of the bonus on the canisters, Bazzer, would have to be sacrificed. I want to ask two things of you all. Firstly, if you are happy with Bognath joining the crew, temporarily, and secondly if you are happy to sacrifice some of the windfall here? Thoughts or comments?”
“There will be no windfall if we can’t keep hold of the canisters. Also, I respect the guy’s skills, so no issue from me,” Bazzer said immediately.
“I have no issue with it either,” Mentor said.
“Me neither,” Marr added.
“I am happy on all counts,” Luna said gleefully, which got a laugh from everyone.
When the laughter stopped, they all turned to look at Annee. She was looking at Dukk. Dukk held a neutral expression. He waited.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 22 - Waves (Passage 1 of 5)]

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